Talent to Watch Program
Summary
| Project type | Feature-length film |
| Project stage | Production |
| Applicants | Emerging talent, Canadian film production companies |
| Submission | Dialogue |
Program overview
The Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s).
The Talent to Watch Program has three streams:
- Industry Partner Stream: For projects that are recommended by a Designated Industry Partner.
- Festival Selection Stream: For emerging filmmakers who have directed a short film that was selected at a recognized film festival.
- Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream: All Key Members of the Creative Team must be:
- Indigenous;
- Black;
- People of Colour;
- Women;
- Gender-diverse individuals;
- 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals;
- Persons with disabilities; and/or
- Members of an Official Language Minority Community
Who can apply
Applications may be submitted by companies or individuals who meet the eligibility criteria indicated in the Program guidelines.
Key members of the creative teams of all submitted projects must be emerging talent.
Information about the program
Guidelines and Important Documents
Please review the documents for full program details and eligibility criteria.
Key dates
IT support is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST. Projects may be submitted only once per fiscal year.
| All projects. |
Opening April 14, 2026 8:00 AM EDT |
Closing April 28, 2026 11:59 PM EDT |
Latest updates
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates.
April 28, 2026
The following document has been updated:
- Distribution Terms and Contracts Requirements
March 18, 2026
The following document has been added or updated:
- Guidelines
- Essential Information Guide
- Evaluation Grid
- List of Required Documents
Apply for funding
Please read our How to apply page for more information on the application process.
Provided that the applications submitted are complete, we will aim to make funding decisions on production financing requests within 80 business days of the closing date to apply to the program. Please read our Service Charter for more information on our commitment to service.
Applications must be submitted through Dialogue.
Application documents
At Application and Contracting
Resources
Templates and Declarations
At Final Reporting
Business policies
Past guidelines
Contact Us
Please read the guidelines and all supporting documents carefully prior to your enquiry.
| For questions regarding eligibility and how to apply | Phone: 438-806-4865 Toll free: 1-800-567-0890 Email: coordination@telefilm.ca |
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